Another WWE Royal Rumble event is in the history books and what a night it was!

While Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins will undoubtedly dominate the headlines after their big wins, it's interesting to note a change in the approach to one of WWE 's marquee matches.

In recent years, the company has made regular use of wrestlers from years gone by to fill up spots in the Rumble, adding extra excitement to an already hotly-anticipated match-up.

This was none more prominent than in 2018's first Women’s Royal Rumble match, with Hall of Famers and former Divas such as Lita, Trish Stratus, Torrie Wilson, Molly Holly, Michelle McCool, Vickie Guerrero, Kelly Kelly, Jacqueline and Beth Phoenix included to add extra significance to the historic event.

Read More

Mickie James and Trish Stratus squared off once again at the first women's Royal Rumble (Image: @WWENetwork)

In doing this though, WWE arguably missed a trick by not making more of the undoubted talent pool it had available in NXT and through the Mae Young Classic, with only Ember Moon and Kairi Sane appearing from the yellow brand last year.

The increased use of stars from across WWE’s other brands in both Rumble matches this year shows just how much faith the company has in its future.

Only two legends made appearances in Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle, with both appearing briefly to put over new talent.

Read More

Instead, how refreshing was it to see WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne come in and look so strong? Heck, who’d have imagined on Friday night that Aleister Black - someone who made such a mark on the UK scene before his NXT days - would eliminate a former WWE Champion in Dean Ambrose?

Those who enjoy the nostalgia in wrestling may have ended Sunday disappointed at the lack of big returns, but for the sake of the company’s long term strategy, it is important to mix and match the two elements.

Give us more Rhea Ripley running riot moments and less of Attitude Era stars eliminating our current favourites. Otherwise we risk more over reliance on part timers at WrestleMania for many years to come.